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UNITED STATES PATENT OF ICE,

ELIAS S. WARD, OF NEWARK, NEV JERSEY.

PROCESS OF TANNING.

SPEOIFICATICN forming part of Letters Patent No. 320,603, dated June 23, 1885.

Application filed June 11, 1884.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELIAS S. WVARD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Newark, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tanning Processes; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to improvements in tanning processes, whereby the stock is more effectually subjected to the action of the tanning-liquor, and, in addition thereto, the quality of the stock is improved and the time occupied and labor employed in handling the same greatly reduced.

My invention consists in securing a uniform action upon the hides during the dipping and aerating steps of the tanning process as conducted by means of the dash-wheel or dolly and guarding against the formation of set creases and irregular streaks in the hides by preventing the latter from twisting into a compact mass or roll during the treatment referred to.

The preferred form of apparatus which I use in my tanning processes is that set forth in a contemporaneous application, filed February 14, 1884:, Serial No. 120,707.

The labor of handling the hides in the ordinary processes is very great, and especially in removing the hides from the tank while the liquor is being heated and replacingthem therein when the temperature of the liquor is sufficiently lowered. If the stock is not removed the high degree of heat to which it is necessary to raise the liquor-about 130 Fahrenheitwould seriously affect the stock, blistering and burning it, thereby greatly impairing the value of the same; hence it is absolutely necessary under the old methods v to heat the liquor while the hides are out of the liquor, being immersed therein and then lifted out of the same alternately, the hides (No specimens.)

being in turn completely saturated with the tanningliquor and then drained thereof and subjected to atmospheric action by the rotary motion thereof given to the hides by the movement of the handler or drum. While the hides are being thus treated, it is apparent that the liquor can be raised to the desired temperature and maintained thereat by the admittance of steam without compelling the removal of the stock or in any way rendering the stock liable to injury.

Another step in my process which is attended with beneficial results is that the rotary motion of the hides is reversed at intervals. The hides which become rolled or twisted together as they turn in one direction are untwisted as the motion is reversed. By the treatment to which the hides are subjected by this action of the mechanism every part of the hides is brought in contact with the tanningfiuid, consequently greatly accelerating the tanning process; and, further, the labor required in handling the hides is reduced to the minimum. The hides, being once placed within the drum, are not disturbed until the process is finished. By reason of the movement of the stock in the fluid the strength thereof can be increased, thereby further reducing the time necessary to complete the process.

Another advantage resulting from the reversal of the stock is that the hides are prevented from creasing, which would occur if they revolved only in one direction. In the previous description the whole hides are tanned at once and finally; but I may, and preferably do, subject the hides to a partial tanning, then divide the said hides into grains and splits, and, finally, subject the said grains and splits to the process hereinbefore set forth, either together or separately.

It is not new, broadly considered, to subject hides to a rotary motion, numerous devices having been made and used for this purscribed, to wit: of subjecting the said hides to a rotary motion, causing the same to be oom- In testimony that I claim the foregoing I pletely immersed in the tanningliquor and have hereunto set my hand this 9th day of 10 then lifted entirely out of said liquor, where- June, 1884.

by they are drained and aerated, and of revers- 5 ing the rotary motion of the hides at intervals, ELIAS WVARD' thereby untwisting the said hides and eXpos- Witnesses: ing every part thereof to the action of the F. F. CAMPBELL, liquor.

CHARLES H. PELL. 

